Sainted popes

Re: "John Paul II cleared for sainthood," Tribune, July 6:

It never surprises me how convenient it is for many religions to circumvent their own rules and sacraments in times of contemporary mayhem and turmoil. The Catholic Church, the most powerful and populous assemblage of the Christian faiths, has decided to clear two of the more recent popes, John Paul II and John XXIII, for sainthood. Current Pope Francis seems to be more than willing to bend Vatican rules and tradition when it suits his whim and convenience.

Not to mention that his church is overwhelmed with indictments and allegations of corruption in both sexual and financial matters. But then again, we are only talking about sainthood!

Francis waived one of the only and most steadfast requirements for being declared a saint; at a minimum, two important miracles are required, along with a revue which usually takes centuries. And the miracle awarded John Paul was a simple declaration from a woman in Cost Rica that she heard a voice tell her to "get up, don't be afraid' while contemplating a photo of John Paul, after being diagnosed with a cerebral aneurysm. She lived, of course.

Robert Hoff

West Jordan